Is Murder by Night Worth Watching?
Answer: Maybe not, Murder by Night is likely a skip if you enjoy Horror movies.
It features a runtime of 91 minutes and offers a standard storyline that appeals to mature audiences.
Murder by Night Review
Last updated: January 18, 2026
Detailed Premise & Narrative Foundations
Released in the dynamic cinematic landscape of 1989, Murder by Night emerges as a significant entry in the Horror, Mystery, Thriller, TV Movie domain. The narrative core of the film focuses on a sophisticated exploration of A man inadvertently gets caught near a car explosion, and after he recovers from his injuries realizes that he has amnesia. Unlike standard genre fare, Murder by Night attempts to deconstruct traditional tropes, offering a conventional take on its central themes.
Cast Performances: A Masterclass
The success of any Horror is often anchored by its ensemble, and Murder by Night features a noteworthy lineup led by Robert Urich . Supported by the likes of Kay Lenz and Jim Metzler , the performances bring a palpable realism to the scripted words.
Performance Analysis: While the cast delivers competent and professional performances, they are occasionally hampered by a script that leans into familiar archetypes.
Final Verdict: Is it Worth Watching?
In summary, our editorial assessment of Murder by Night (1989) is negative. With an audience rating of 4.7/10, it stands as a highly recommended experience for genre enthusiasts.
Murder by Night Plot Summary & Detailed Storyline
Quick Plot Summary: Murder by Night is a Horror, Mystery, Thriller, TV Movie film that crafts an atmosphere of dread and suspense, using psychological terror and visual scares. This summary provides a scannable look at the movie's central conflict and narrative structure.
Murder by Night Ending Explained & Final Analysis
Ending Breakdown: Murder by Night attempts to tie together its various plot elements. The finale presents its approach to horror resolution.
The final reveal recontextualizes earlier scenes, offering viewers material for post-viewing discussion.
Ending Analysis:
- Narrative Resolution: The story concludes by addressing its primary narrative threads, providing closure while maintaining some ambiguity.
- Character Arcs: Character journeys reach their narrative endpoints, reflecting the film's thematic priorities.
- Thematic Payoff: The ending reinforces the horror themes established throughout the runtime.
The final moments of Murder by Night reflect the filmmakers' creative choices, offering an ending that aligns with the film's tone and style.
Who Should Watch Murder by Night?
Consider Watching If:
- You're a completist for Horror films
- You're curious despite mixed reviews
- You have low expectations and want casual entertainment
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Full Cast & Crew of Murder by Night
- Robert Urich – Allan Strong
- Kay Lenz – Karen Hicks
- Jim Metzler – Kevin Carlisle
- Richard Monette – Stuart Kessler
- Michael Ironside – Det. Carl Madsen
Top Highlights
Robert UrichAllan Strong
Kay LenzKaren Hicks
Jim MetzlerKevin Carlisle
Richard MonetteStuart Kessler
Michael IronsideDet. Carl Madsen
Geoffrey BowesYoung Doctor
Barbara RadeckiHostess
Christine MitgesJean Montgomery
Parents Guide & Age Rating
Murder by Night has not been officially rated yet. Based on its genres (Horror, Mystery, Thriller, TV Movie), it contains frightening scenes, intense suspense, mature themes, violence.
Final Verdict
Analyzing the audience sentiment, IMDb rating of 4.7/10, and global collection metrics, Murder by Night stands as a challenging project for the creators. It remains an essential piece of the 1989 cinematic year.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Murder by Night movie hit or flop?
Murder by Night is considered a flop based on audience ratings of 4.7/10 and lower collections.
Is Murder by Night worth watching?
Based on the low rating of 4.7/10, Murder by Night may not be worth watching unless you are a die-hard fan.
Where can I watch Murder by Night online?
Murder by Night may be available for rent or purchase on digital platforms like Apple TV, Google Play, or Amazon Prime Video. Specific streaming availability can vary by country.
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How Murder by Night Compares & Where it Ranks
Critic Reviews for Murder by Night
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This analysis is compiled by our editorial experts using multi-source verification and audience sentiment data for maximum accuracy.
